Graphic Art BA Study Programme (6121PX015)
Aims
The graphic art bachelor study programme aim - to educate an active graphic artist who is able to create independently and in a group with others: foster the best printmaking, illustration, book and drawing traditions and create a new type of quality; boldly experiment within the context of the interdisciplinary artistic activities and generate an innovative and conceptual visual culture; reflect upon the changing field of the graphic art in the contemporary art context and leave an impact by bearing personal responsibility as an artist and participating in it in a distinctive way.
In the process of developing and improving the Graphic Art study programme the consideration was given to the current demand situation for the graphic art and its specialists in Lithuanian and foreign contexts, and with a clear understanding in mind of the importance of a well-educated person who is receptive to the scientific and cultural values and the latest technologies, and is able to create and spread the knowledge, protect and consolidate the uniqueness of the national culture in the wider context from a modern life perspective. This is the foundation for all the knowledge and skills of the entire Graphic Art BA programme.
The graduates of the Graphic Art programme are in great demand in the job market and are able to integrate and improve with great success. The graduates can work as illustrators, book artists in publishing houses, as creative staff in design, printing and advertising agencies, art editors and executors, organise and take part in various art projects, curate exhibitions, set up their own art businesses, get engaged in individual creative activities and participate in Lithuanian and international art exhibitions and competitions. The students may continue with the academic and creative activities when studying for MA in Lithuania and abroad.
The study programme of Graphic Art comprises individual, yet interconnected blocks of subjects: general subjects of university studies, fundamentals in the field, special subjects of the study field, traineeships, optional general and study field subjects, and the final thesis. Students may also choose from alternative optional subjects, which may not exceed 5% of the total scope of studies. The Graphic Art BA study programme can be visually compared to the network of tightly interconnected arteries, where no clots are allowed along the path towards results.
The aim of the Graphic Art BA study programme stretches across the entire study process and is closely connected to the learning outcomes. Four years of studies is essentially the time when a person is encouraged to learn about himself (herself), acquire new competences, develop interdisciplinary thinking and go into experimenting and art practice in an attempt to create relevant graphic art. It is about the formation of innovative and conceptual visual culture through implementing printmaking, illustration, book and drawing projects as unique culture products, encouraging changes in the art and socio-cultural context. The study years are the space and time for developing your talent, setting the future prospects and maturing as a person able to create and improve.
Study methods
Formulation of problems in arts and credible decisions, lectures, contact work in auditoriums, group discussions, analysis, empirical studies, individual and group assignments, creativity training workshops, mapping of the ideas and concepts, nature study, public reviews, independent work, visiting exhibitions, educational trips, studios visits, portfolio presentations, critical meetings, summer practice, exhibition, organization and participation in the projects.
Assessment of Achievements
The final grade of specialty subjects (depending on the year of studies and specific characteristics of the task) is comprised of:
- A (20%) – substantiation of the idea and reasoning behind the decisions(motivation, relevance, contemporariness);
- B (30%) – development of the idea (original creative idea resolution, experimenting, interdisciplinarity);
- C (30%) – realisation of the idea (targeted and qualitative application of graphic art and/or other technologies, persuasive visual expression, consistent processes, keeping up with deadlines, artistic quality, independence);
- D (20%) – presentation-exhibition (quality of presentation of the works in public exposition, well substantiated presentation, context analysis, critical assessment and self-assessment, improvement).
Learning outcomes of the programme
- The graduates are able to recognise, define and interpret the most relevant theories, concepts and methods of the graphic art field. They propose new ideas, integrate science and technologies.
- The B.A. are able to apply their general cultural and graphics knowledge as well as the appropriate methodology when formulating the project or art research idea, implementing it in practice and assessing the artistic processes and their results.
- The degree holders have acquired knowledge of art management, art initiatives. They are able to use this knowledge in their art projects and when organising and developing their project activities that involve different institutions; such as culture support foundations, galleries, creative organisations, schools, publishing houses etc.
- When working on the printmaking, illustration, book and drawing projects they use the classical as well as the latest knowledge based research and information processing methods and systems.
- The B.A. can carry out targeted experiments within the broad scale of the graphic art technologies and expressive means thus expanding the relevance of the field in the contemporary art and culture.
- The graduates expand and refine the field of contemporary art through their independent creative activity and expression of their personal graphic artists-creators‘ artistic position as well as by introducing their artistic concepts as original printmaking, illustration, book and drawing projects.
- They have substantial knowledge of the health and safety requirements as related to the graphic art technologies and consciously promote safe and nurturing work and living environment.
- The B.A. are able to independently plan, organise and carry out printmaking, illustration, book and drawing projects as well as other interdisciplinary art projects relating to the graphic art techniques individually and in groups. They can exhibit or install a piece of art in a public space in the contemporary art context.
- Through conveying their communication skills in verbal, written and visual form, in local as well as foreign language (-s), they are able to introduce the aims of a graphic project and art research and demonstrate their relevance in the socio-cultural context. In the light of the graphic art context they are able to create their personal creative work portfolio.
- The B.A. are able to accept ethical, social and ecological responsibility for the quality and results of their subordinates‘ and their own artistic, practical and daily activities and their impact on the society. They believe that by creating new art products they contribute to solving of culture and society related problems.
- While implementing printmaking, illustration, book, drawing, interdisciplinary projects and activities and whilst performing the art research, the graduates are creative, able to learn and improve independently. They create and live with the understanding and appreciation of their own, each person‘s and the entire world‘s uniqueness.
- Consciously and with regard to the ongoing cultural, economic, political and social changes, the degree holders are able to contemplate, critically appraise and make a certain impact without betraying their own personal ideals. They comprehend the importance of lifelong learning and development.
